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Girma signing shows 'fantastic' growth but 'skews the market' - Skinner

Marc Skinner
[Getty Images]

Manchester United boss Marc Skinner said having the world's most expensive female player Naomi Girma is brilliant for the Women's Super League, but the spending "skews the market".

"With my women's football hat on it is fantastic that we can get to this level of investment in the women's game," Skinner said.

"Chelsea are top of the league and clear and as Manchester United manager I want to be ultra competitive and try and push them as much as possible. I also understand I have been in it when there is no money in the game. I am happy the investment has come in.

"Does it widen the gap? It definitely skews the market. It's fantastic for the women's game, the growth and development in such a short period of time. But we may potentially see fallouts and how it affects everybody else.

"It has to make you try harder. That is the reality. On the pitch you have to find solutions, you have to adapt. I don't know if many players of that level have been signed in these types of window before. For us it is a challenge but all we can do and all we will ever do is just be us, focus on what we can control."

Here are other lines from his news conference before Sunday's game against Tottenham (kick-off 18:45 GMT).

  • He said Manchester United "can't go and spend those type of fees" and have to "recruit smartly" and keep being "young, energetic and a little bit rebellious".

  • On missing out on signing Chloe Kelly on deadline day, he said: "Chloe Kelly is an Arsenal player so doesn't affect us now. I am really happy with the forward options we have."

  • Geyse remains on compassionate leave and is in "a moment of grieving" but has a meeting with the wellbeing team on Friday to discuss her return.

  • He said the team performed well in Grace Clinton's absence and have deserved to keep their places, but Cinton still has a "starting role" and is "hugely important".

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[BBC]
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